Australia's Electoral System
The name of the system used to elect the HOR
Preferential voting
New Zealand uses a unicameral system, this means what?
it only has one house of parliament
Electoral system used in US elections
First Past the Post
The number of seats in the HoR and Senate
150 and 76
Australia's high voter turnout is due to what
Compulsory voting
The name of the system used to elect the Senate
Single Transferable Vote Proportional Representation
Voters in New Zealand receive how many votes?
2
The name for the election that takes place to determine presidential candidates
Primaries
The current balance of power in the HoR rests with which party and how many seats do they have?
The independent body that oversees elections to ensure they are free and fair
AEC
Australia's elections are held when?
Every 3 years and on a Saturday
The name of document that ensures Indigenous representation in NZ
Treaty of Waitangi
Length of term for US HoR and US senators
2 years HoR and 6 years Senators
The type of electorates used in Senate elections
Mulit-member
Voting
Running for election
Campaigning for parties/casues
Section of the constitution that deals with Senate elections
Section 7
Describe the purpose of the party vote
To determine the amount of seats a party receives as part of parliament
Describe the term swing state
A state that does not have a large, traditional support for one party over the other. As such it will have fairly even levels of support for both parties and can determine the result of an election
Section of the constitution that outlines the election of the HoR
Section 24
Why is pluralism important?
It aids broad electoral participation and diversity in viewpoints, enhancing government legitimacy and responsiveness
List 4 aspects of an ideal electoral system
- Guaranteed right to vote
- Safeguard elections from intimidation
- Equal value for each vote
- Maintain transparency
- Treat all candidates and parties fairly
Describe the purpose of the electorate vote
The determine who is elected to represent each electorate in parliament
Describe how a president is elected on election day
Vote every 4 years
Voters vote for preferred candidate in districts to send delegates to Electoral College to rep the state
Each State has a value attached of votes
Must win 270 of 538 to win electionDescribe Australia's electoral compromise
The “Australian electoral compromise” combines majoritarian and proportional systems to create an ‘ideal’ electoral system in bicameral parliaments.
Provide one example of a pressure group or individual influencing Government policy
Individuals participate in democratic activities like marches and protests, as seen with the Marriage Equality Rallies in 2017.
The Eureka Rebellion and the “Voices” movement.
Describe one positive and one negative of Preferential Voting
Positives include:
- Reinforcement of Majority Rule
- Wide consensus on 'best available fit' to run a country
- Less vote wastage
Negatives include:
- Preference for safe candidates
- Can lead to two party dominated landscape
- Forces votes to funnel to less desired candidates of voters
Party vote determines % of the 120 total.
If party vote > electorate reps elected, party gets to backfill from a list of candidates
If party vote< elected candidates, total number of seats expands from 120, so that the number of elected members = % of party vote
Describe the purpose of mid-term elections
Mid-terms occur in the middle of a president's 4 year cycle.
Occur every two years to increase accountability of members of congress
Act as an unofficial referendum on the president
Describe one positive and one negative of proportional voting
Positives include:
- Accurate representation of majority opinion
- Low vote wastage
- Representation for minor parties and more reflective of diverse opinion (plurality)
- Encourages negotiation
Negative include:
- Can lack a clear majority
- Complicated preference deals
Describe a contemporary issue of representation in Australia
ALP quota ensuring 40% representation in party for women
Achieved in 2025 with 52% of caucus and 56% of cabinet being women
Helps ensure more diverse views
No such policy from LNP, around 34% women
However does not address cultural diversity
QLD, TAS, ACT, NT
Describe how communal voting works in NZ
Communal vote is ensured by Treaty of Waitangi.
7 Maori specific electorates that sit over regular electorates
Only Maori people can vote in those electorates but give up general election vote to do so to ensure all citizens have equal voting power.
Explain how gerrymandering can influence election results
Gerrymandering is the formation of districts to aim to ensure a favourable result for one party over the other.
It attempts to distribute the population to reduce or increase the voting impact voters can have.
Can be negative in reducing a specific party or community voice
Can be positive by grouping like minorities together to ensure representation
Describe how the senate voting system has changed from 1949 to present
1949 - introduction of STV/PR
1984 - GTV introduced with above and below line voting
2016 - Removal of GTV and expanded voting above the line
Describe the role of pressure groups in elections
Pressure groups focus on narrow interests or causes to influence public policy and political debate
They may support parties and candidates aligned with their interests or causes.
They may also make donations to political parties
Contribute expert advice to parties’ policy development
Provide volunteers to assist with election logistics